HAPPY VESAK DAY!
Here's a touching story to share: THE BROKEN HEARTED DOE (Mu Lu Duan Chang)

There was a young man named Xu Zhen Jun who enjoyed hunting. One day, he was hunting on a hill and shot a young deer with his arrow. Not long after, he saw a doe running towards the injured deer without any thought for her own safety. She licked its wound with her tongue and looked extremely sorrowfyl. Not long after, she laid down and died.

Xu then brought the deers home. Upon slitting open the doe, he found that the liver and intestines were badly shattered. On witnessing this pitiful sight, he was grief-stricken and broke down immediately. Feeling remorseful, de destroyed his bows and arrows and vowed never to hunt again.

All animals, just as human beings, love their offsprings. They would feel extremely sorrowful when they were separated from their loved ones. The doe loved her injured fawn deeply and thus could not bear to leave him. The pain and sorrow overwhelmed her and she died piteously.

Treat animals with loving kindness and compassion.

its coming to the end of the month soon...5 months gone in a blink of eyes..2weeks time will be eating rice dumplings again...oh! how i miss mum's dumpling. Too bad, she won't be making this year cos she is scheduled to eye surgery around that time. Getting worried for her, cos she is already left with one eye, with this surgery, she will not be able to see temporarily. Lets pray the surgery a success!

Jim is off today, went for the Vesak day - 3 steps 1 pray (san bu yi bai) at guang ming shan. weather is extraordinary hot today, the floor must be burning hot. dunno he can take it or not. I have started him on green tea daily..looks like his headache getting better. Talking about green tea, it is really wonderful. Its been 5 months that i have been taking green tea daily. and I hardly get headache since then (choy! touch wood). It also kinda reduces the urge to eat (i dunno why). anyway, i know for sure it BEATS cancer....

Joel is a happy boy today. These few mornings, since 2gu have started for her wee hours morning stroll, I have to take over to sleep with Joel. I like it, in fact! its just so close to him, i enjoy it. He is so nice cos when he see u still sleeping, he quietly play with his gloves without disturbing me. BUT, he waited too long hours, he will smack his hand on your face!! Bet u wake up instantly!!

This morning decided to go gym since Jim is around. Went to Yio Chu Kang stadium fitness club. Co-incidently, met the lady instructor whom i mentioned earlier. She was there working out. Quite a nice place too, excerpt slightly smaller than Yishum stadium club. I think I will just stick on to YCK for the time being. this is my 3rd time working out..it is addictive! The sweating sensation is fantastic...20minutes of brisk walk on the threadmill, and the rest are muscles building and stretching exercise. I can't do the stepper and cycling cos my knees are giving me problem...

After the gym, i adjourned to the pool next door. Did only 6 laps cos i scared over exert it...the feeling is good. Self-satisfying...not to slim down but more of building up my body and health so that i am in a better shape to take care of Joel.

who cares to join me, all are welcome!!

Recently just discovered a type of root vegetable called the chinese burdock or Huai Shan(huai shan). It tastes sweet and of neutral nature. It nourishes the lungs and kidneys, strengthens the spleens, stops diarrhea, uplifts the spirit and benefits Qi. It really looks ugly outside, like a bamboo stick, with brown skin, and plenty of prickly roots...but it tastes marvellous. I boiled it with carrots, sweet corn, and add some dried red ates, wolfberries... and a few drips of light soya sauce will do. Go and try it!



As far as i know, mum used to buy the dried huai shan to cook her herbal chicken soup...i have not seen the real one...until today. Hope its not too late to discover the wellness of this vegetable..



Realised that Joel has grown much more sensible and he seems to understand what we talk. The grin on his face, the fast responese sometimes really surprising...he will quielty listen to you when u whisper in his ears, and the naughty grin seems to tell he knows what is it...



U know what, as soon as he sits down, he will reach for his favourite container (the small tub of ice cream container) and choose his favourite yellow lego to put into the container, pick another lego and start shaking it. the yellow one is a must, the other one anything also can. The he will reach out the Slinky Pop Toob and hand it over to you. What u need to do is to co-ordinate with him, once he started making noise, u have to start twisting and turning the toob. NO RESTING.
u put it down and stop it, he reach it and hand it to you again.

if he sits on his own, then he is ok. but the moment you sit next to him, he start searching for the toob...really funny guy!

slinky pop toob is a stress reliever thingy. You can twist it, stretch it out to over 30 inches, make noise with it and connect it to other Slinky Pop Toobs. It comes compressed at 9 inches long and makes a popping sound as you stretch it out and push it in. Fully extend the tube and twirl it around to make a whistling sound..

ok, that's all for now. GTG! Gd nite!

yesterday went to yishun stadium gym in the evening. Surprisingly quite a nice place with plenty of equipment. really value for money - $2.50 per entry. For only this price, u can stay there as long as you want. $2.50 leh...not even enough to buy a plate of food at certain places...

I was quite lucky as when I stepped into the premises, a kind-hearted instructor (hindu lady in her 60s) greeted me and offered her services. As the place was quite crowded, I was feeling quite lost dunno how and where to start from. So upon understanding my needs and requirements, she asked me tried various machines....each a short while in order not to over exert myself. If not for her, i would not have the chance to try so many machines and understanding the functions of each machine.

I hang around there until about 8pm and she suggested that i should stop since i have not been exercising for quite some time.

This morning brought Joel to school. Today got flu vaccination. It is sponsored by HSBC. Joel was quite alright with the jab, think he probably got used to needles in the past. anyway, Joel is always a brave boy.

I was expecting to have aches over the whole body but surprisingly, i was okay! No pain at all...hmm...not bad hor! Think i will continue to find time to visit the gym when possible....it really makes a lot of difference spending the 1 - 2 hours there. The feeling of sweating all over the body is damn SHIOK!!.... so to those out there : don't procastinate if you have ever thought of working out but have not make the first step to do it, DO IT NOW! It's never too late to exercise. I need the strong body in order to take care of Joel, hopefully losing some weight at the same time.

HEALTH is WEALTH!!

Joel woke up around 6am...stayed in bed until about 7+. Had breakfast ard 8am cos last feed is 9am. So i was like trying to feed as much as possible in order for him to last for the next few hours....i know its alright to fast sometimes. But somehow as parents, it still ache the heart when the child couldn't eat. And Joel fuss a lot when he is hungry...continuous fuss can drive me nuts at times.

now 3 of us are hanging around at home to kill time....hopefully things turn alright. Its 11am now..tried to make me sleep for a while but this junior simply don't co-operate..anyway, try to play with him...

got to reach KKH before 2pm...so should leave the house around 1pm...sigh...its raininig since this morning...makes me feel sianz on a rainy day.

last night around 12midnite, vonny msn me. Was shocked to see her online. She just had her shower but have not eaten...think she bought smelly toufu for supper/dinner. This ger really had fun. She stays at hostel around15 bucks per night..so economical compared to hotel...think she really shopped until drop.

ok, gtg. will update tonight.

I am back ...we left home around 1pm and reached KK about 1.30pm. Joel started fussing and Jim gotta to calm him down by playing with him. After the administration, Joel was ready for MRI around 2.45pm. I had a quick lunch at 3pm while Jim refused to eat. (he is always like that, son nvr eat, he also nvr eat). Sorry I can't cos if I dun eat, i get very weak and irritable. Around 3.45pm Joel was done. But he was still drowsy with the GA. Luckily he managed well this time, and by the time we got home was 4pm +. Surprisingly he turned out lively unlike the 2 of us, so exhausted...Jim had a terrible headache...think he was too stressed. While for me, i kinda took it more positively liao...

Around 6pm, Joel had dinner (din gave him much cos we scared he might feel like throwing out due to the GA)...gave him milo before he slept.

wow this is my 101 post...101 stories of mine....a little fraction of our lives..

anyway...yesterday was Mothers' Day...HAPPY LAU Bu's day. Wishing all moms in the world a Happy Day! Thank you all the mummies for their hardwork and dedication to the families and children. I feel that mommy is really the roughest job in the world. Easy to say but difficult to do. One big criteria to be eligible for the job - BIG HEART. Its always when one's become a mother, she can then fully appreciate what her own mum has done for her. When we were still "childless", we always tend to take our mums for granted. did not really care for her like what she did to us, find her nags very annoying, etc etc...but when you really come to stage of her role, u will then realise how hard and heartpain sometime to raise a child up. One lesson learnt - LOVE UR MOMS (not forgetting the DADs).

Tomorrow is another "difficult" day for us..cos Joel is going for his MRI scan for his tumor. Really hope things get better. His appointment is 3pm so he has to fast for 6hours prior to that. As he is not able to keep still for the scan, he has to be sedated. That's why fasting is required.
This day has come...gotta to pray hard!

Brought Joel to school this morning. Luckily the weather was good in the morning..cos today got swimming lesson (its Joel's favourite lesson). Don't know what happened to Joel today, he was so grouchy throughout. Kept making noises continouously...not sure if he is feeling unwell somewhere. Can't keep him in class cos he will disturb the rest if he continues like that. So teacher and I decided to walk him round the school to calm him down. That did not help either. Was almost losing my cool, really.

Finally when it came to swimming lesson, he was much better. Enjoying himself happily in the pool. It started raining before the lesson ends. After that, he had some snacks. The rain was so heavy, we had to wait till it gets better. It was still raining, but much better when we were waiting for cab. So damn disappointed with our singapore taxi...think its getting bad to worse. A few of them drove past (with the green sign on)...without stopping. There were a few others waiting for cab too, 2 of them were carrying their children in one hand while the other hand, unbrella. Still no sympathy from the cabby at all...no one want to ferry such special need children, especially during raining days. Finally after all of them were gone, we were the only one left waiting for cab...and a kind cabby stopped for us. I was already drenched after having to put the wheelchair in the boot.

My advice to those cabbies who did that to us, Don't travel along Margaret Drive Road if you have no sympathy heart...cos there are many special need children there. If you can sleep peacefully without dwelling over what you did today, then I have nothing to say.

My left bum was bruised..and slightly swollen. Yesterday I missed my stool and ended up on the toilet floor when i was washing my clothes. So the left bum kinda hit on the stool..luckily not on my spine...and cut my flinger while opening a can. Sigh....unlucky day, isn't it?

How? Like my new skin? Much vibrant isn't it? I like it, will probably hang on to it till my mood changes again. But likely to maintain the most important factor - GREEN. My lucky colour!

Some pics we taken on 30april when we were at clarke quay....

haha what a funny day! last nite after much discussion with rgds to where to go for the "trip", we decided to go JB. Anyway, its also considered an overseas trip right (whether be it by coach, bus, plane, or train).

So after settling Joel at ah ma's house, we took a train to Kranji and took a bus CW1/2 (80 cts per pax) to the JB customs. Of cos before going, we already consulted our JB consultant (his 6th sister who has been going there so often). We decided to go City Square which is just a stone's throw from the customs. Quite a big mall though. Too long never do window shopping, so was quite uneasy initially. Cos in Singapore, Jim & I hardly, or rather never shop patiently or comb thru the entire mall. Usually we just grab and go...

Each time we have to calm each other...cool down, take your time, dun rush...etc. etc..so went from floor to floor, shop to shop and took our own sweet time. Bought a shirt for Joel and 2gu, a sandle for myself, and some snacks for the family (looks more like come back from a trip mah).
Did not even spend a cts on drinks or snacks...instead spent 20cts ringgit each for the toilet. No, Jim went twice, so he spent 40cts RM.

We reached Jb around noon and by 4pm, we were back in singapore liao...same thing, took CW1/2 from JB at 80cts RM each all the way to Kranji (of cos gotta get in and out of the bus to get the custom clearance). Was quite easy though.

When we reached ah ma house, Joel was taking his snacks. He kept making noises continuously...like some kind of anger. Looks like he knew we went out without him....I told him I happened to meet daddy downstairs... next time if got the chance, will consider bringing him along. This trip was too rush...anyway, hope he can get the reimbursement done soon. Transport fare to and fro by bus : S$0.80 and RM0.80...what a cheap holiday!!

Tired out liao....CIAO!!

1 May - Tuesday

Its Labour Day today, a public holiday! The 2 boys are going back to their camp this evening. This weekend break is really good for them. Re-charge them up and get ready for the next challenge!

Was very tired this morning cos of the fun last night. Couldn't hear my alarm ringing...luckily Joel did not wake up too early this morning..

Jim actually planned to go batam with his friends tomorrow (to get his passport stamped and a "real" proof of trip ticket)...but seems like not happening. Think his friend could not get a off day tomorrow. But really hope he gets this thing done quickly so that he can submit his claim and get his money fast cos it going to take a while for the HR to process the claim. So i decided to SMS him to see whether i can go with him instead. Knowing its not going to happen, i still wanna try my luck. Since birth of Joel, Jim and I have never been out alone. He always have this sense of guilt of leaving joel at home. So no point lingering over this when i know he won't enjoy himself with me, without Joel. On the other hand, I seems to be more "realistic". Think once a while we should just let go and enjoy ourself. Going out with Joel does not mean we stop loving him right? I think I have changed over the years, looking things at a brighter side, taking things as it comes. I would just enjoy and let go without thinking much. I used to feel guilty in the past when I had to work, or go out with friends/family and leave Joel at home. But now, I am more +ve about it cos I know he is always in good hands.

Anyway, Jim replied that he is busy closing shop and shall discuss when he comes back. Its not going to happen, i know him enough. I just ask for fun only. He is a 24-filial son and 24-good father. Maybe by the time in future he wants to bring me go anywhere, it will be very awkward cos I'd probably be used to not going out with him anymore.

30Apr - Monday

Father in law is discharged from hospital..luckily or else got to spend another PH there. But his health is really failing these days, think becos of his age. Though he is now at home, he seems to be rather weak and lethargic..probably due to the medicine. Really hopes he gets stronger and healthier... another lesson - HEALTH is WEALTH!!

Vonvon went for her hair cut today...she is like a freed bird...just being released from the cage for so long..waiting to enjoy her freedom. SB took 1/2 day leave to accompany her too. When i knew Jim's probably be able to come home early, i quickly contacted Vonvon to check out where they were so that I can join them. I must admit I am really a "fast" person, it took me about an hour to wash up, dress up, took a train from AMK to Suntec - all within an hour!! Lai was with them too for dinner. I wasn't hungry so did not take my dinner. Tell u, it was really funny that night. We kinda had a "shoe-exchange" game the whole night through.

I went out with a pair of new shoe, a gift which I have not worn before. slight heels but was ok initially...oh no, by the time i reached city hall mrt, my 2 feets were badly injured and torn. Walking another step is enough to kill me. No choice, dragged all the way to suntec and quickly hunt down a shoe shop and just grabbed anything that fits. Vonvon was another joker, she was so nicely dressed in stripped blouse with 2 straps, black pants and a pair of YELLOW shoes. The left heel was badly tilted. She looked like as though she stole her mum's shoes...kekeke...

So we decided to change our shoes ( she took over my newly bought black shoes, I took over SB's and SB happily took over the pair of shoes that hurt me). She was ok with it and we happily moved on. Not long after, SB found her feet begining to hurt and we had our shoes changed again. (haha, the people at suntec must have thought we were having some kind of game)...

We adjourned to Clarke Quay for a drink. I tell u, the place has changed so drastically compared to the donkey years ago! It was fantastic, a place so vibrant with people and lights. Lots of ang-mohs....drinking and chatting happily. We wanted to try something new ("Shisha") dunno got the right spelling....kinda fun and interesting. Had a drink and photo shooting at one of the pub. Really had so much fun...Vonvon had grown up like one of our friends...can't imagine that hor. Will show u some pics that we took later. Before midnight, we were rushing to catch the last train and my feets started to give my problem in my new shoes. I ended with the pair of YELLOW shoes that I laughed at vonvon while she ended up with another pair of new shoes...comfortably. Struggled all my way home in the tilted yellow shoes...sigh...maybe its retribution (shouldn't laugh at her yellow shoes in the first place). Another lesson learnt - dun stinch on cheap shoes....invest in a pair of good quality shoes and it would bring you to everywhere, comfortably!!

Anyway, i really had so much fun that night. Not only vonvon was a freed bird, me too! I haven't had so much fun for quite a long time (many years i guess). Its good to just enjoy and let go once a while, right?